I think you will also be pleased with the results throughout the season. I wouldn't mess with the auto chlorinator... The only chlorine you can use in it will also add other components to your pool (like stabilizer). It's fine to add stabilizer to a point, but you won't know if you've reached/exceeded that point until you have your Taylor kit and test for CYA. And even if you do want to add some, the easiest way to do so is dichlor from Sam's Club. Post your test results here when you get them and we can advise you further. Test for FC, CC, PH, TA, CH, and CYA when you get your kit. Also test your fill water so you know what you are altering when you add water (for example, TA in my fill water is very high, so I always have to keep an eye on it after I fill.)
A couple of tips about your tests...
For chlorine, the 10 ML sample is sufficient (accurate to 0.5 ppm which is fine). This will help you conserve reagents. Also, if the sample turns pink after adding 1 dipper of the dpd powder, you do not need to add the second dipper. Doing so will not change your results, but it will use more of the expensive powder than necessary.
For PH, I always read the results in bright light against a white or light colored background (a cloud in an otherwise clear sky works great). And you should read the results within 15 seconds.
CYA is a little tricky... Be sure you shake the solution vigorously for at least 30 seconds... And you want bright, indirect light to read the results. Again, outside in sunlight, hold the comparator at your waist with your back to the sun (so the comparator is in your shadow). This will yield the best results. Good luck!
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